Pound for Pound Pinot Kings: Austins & Co. New Release Pinot Noir

Pound for Pound Pinot Kings: Austins & Co. New Release Pinot Noir

Although I have not tried too many Pinots from Geelong, I have tasted enough that a simple mathematical equation has manifested in my brain

Pinot Noir + Geelong = Tasty Time

A while back, I was impressed with 6 foot 6 Pinot Noir 2013 vintage which I thought punched well above its weight for its price ($18). We were delighted to have the opportunity to try Austins & Co.’s new release pinot noir.

Thoughts and discussion

SL: The nose on the 6ft6 is surprisingly good for a budget Pinot Noir.

PT: I was really surprised by the aromatics. I think those kind of flavour notes are usually only on far more expensive Pinot Noir

SL: Subtle “clean” oak with a touch of red fruit twang. Unfortunately the taste didn’t live up to the expectations of the nose. But by itself the taste is still very quoffable for a Pinot Noir under $20. It’s easy to drink and pleasing.

PT: I really enjoyed the flavours on the taste and found it to be very lively with some pepper and tar. I definitely thought the nose gave a different impression to how it tasted though.

SL: Quote from Nat “This is nice, a bit funky”. She also said it tastes a little light bodied.

PT: hahaha yea…. I think that’s my wheelhouse when it comes to Pinot

SL: I found it quite short on length

PT: It was short especially compared to the Austins

SL: I thought it was short before even going to Austins. I think that’s what makes it work as an everyday Pinot for the masses.

PT: I’m definitely down with the 6ft6. It’ll probably be featuring consistently in mid-week drinking mode

SL: It’d be a great choice as the “house Pinot Noir”

PT: I give this a bit of a step above house Pinot Noir but I think it’s my bias for ‘funky’ flavours. I thought it was really strange that the aromas were very similar between the two, but couldn’t be more different on the taste

SL: I agree the nose is quite similar for both, but I found the Austins had a little touch of smokiness to it.

PT: On the night directly comparing I thought the Austins was so mild. But when I had it later it definitely had a massive wow factor

SL: My first impression on the Austins was it definitely had multiple layers compared to the 6ft6. I think that it’s helped by the dramatically longer length. There’s the smoky oak that hits the start, then a smooth creamy mid to end and finishes with a little pepper and big fruits.

PT: Nice. I agree with the smokiness. I think of the 6ft6 as a kinda quick and fast punk song, while the Austins is like a cigar lounge for long contemplation

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